Protective case with integrated stand functionality

ABSTRACT

Embodiments herein include cases for a mobile devices. The cases can include a first sidewall on a first side and a second sidewall on a second side, each extending between a first end and a second end. The first sidewall can have a first height and define a first channel having a first channel length. The second sidewall can have a second height and define a second channel having a second channel length. The cases can have a base defining a slot having a slot width and a slot length.

FIELD

Embodiments herein relate to protective cases for mobile devices. More specifically, embodiments herein protective cases for mobile devices having built in stand functionality.

BACKGROUND

Mobile devices ubiquitous in the modern world. For example, it was estimated that over 7 billion mobile phones were in use globally in 2015. A large market therefore exists for accessories designed to enhance the use of mobile devices. Common accessories include cases, which sheathe mobile devices and prevent damage from scratching, water, and being dropped. As many mobile devices have screens for viewing, it is also common for users to employ stand structures for holding mobile devices at desired viewing angles.

SUMMARY

Embodiments herein include a case for a mobile device. The case can include a base having a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a first side, a second side opposite from the first side across the longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end opposite from the first end across the lateral axis. The case can include a first sidewall on the first side extending between the first end and the second end. The first sidewall has a first height. The first sidewall defines a first channel having a first channel length in the longitudinal direction greater than or about equal to the height of the first sidewall. The case can have a second sidewall on the second side extending between the first end and the second end. The second sidewall has a second height, where first height can be equal to the second height. The second sidewall defines a second channel having a second channel length in the longitudinal direction greater than or about equal to the first channel length. The first channel can be opposite the second channel relative to the longitudinal axis.

The base can also define a slot having a slot width and a slot length. The slot width can be about greater than or about equal to the first height. The slot length is greater than or about equal to a width defined between the first side and the second side.

Embodiments herein can also include a case for a mobile device having an inner shell. The inner shell can be configured to removably engage a mobile device, the inner shell having a width, a length, and a thickness. The case can include an outer shell. The outer shell can have a base, the base having a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a first side, a second side opposite from the first side across the longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end opposite from the first end across the lateral axis.

The outer shell can have a first sidewall on the first side extending between the first end and the second end. The first sidewall has a first height. The first sidewall can define a first channel having a first channel length in the longitudinal direction that is greater than or about equal to the thickness of the inner shell. The outer shell can have a second sidewall on the second side extending between the first end and the second end. The second sidewall can have a second height. The second sidewall can define a second channel having a second channel length in the longitudinal direction that is about equal to the first channel length. The first channel can be opposite the second channel across the longitudinal axis.

This summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and is not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope herein is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Aspects may be more completely understood in connection with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a case in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mobile device assembly engaged with a case in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mobile device assembly held in a landscape orientation by a case in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mobile device assembly held in a portrait orientation by a case in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a case in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a case holding a mobile device assembly in a landscape orientation in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a case in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 8 is an end view of a case holding a mobile device assembly in a portrait orientation in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a case having an inner shell and an outer shell in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 10 is a perspective side view of a case having a locking mechanism in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a case in accordance with various embodiments herein.

While embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example and drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the scope herein is not limited to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices.

Embodiments herein provide a mobile device case having the ability to both protect a mobile device from damage and provide stand functionality. Mobile device cases herein can provide stand functionality without increasing the bulk, expense, and complexity as compared to mobile device cases without such stand functionality. Embodiments herein provide mobile device cases having landscape, or horizontal, stand functionality. Embodiments herein provide mobile device cases having portrait, or vertical, stand functionality. Mobile device cases herein provide viewing stand functionality without the moving parts often required by integrated mobile device viewing stands. The cases and inner shells described herein can be used with a variety of mobile devices. Mobile devices can include mobile telephones, tablets, computers, personal digital assistants, and other portable electronic devices. Mobile telephones can include various smart phones.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view is shown of a case 100 in accordance with various embodiments herein. The case 100 is generally configured to engage a mobile device assembly. A “mobile device assembly” as used herein refers to a mobile device having a protective cover or a mobile device without a protective cover. The protective cover is configured to at least partially cover the mobile device. Such a protective cover is referred to herein as an “inner shell,” which is relative to the case 100, which can be referred to as an “outer shell”.

The case 100 is configured to at least partially cover and protect a mobile device assembly in an encased configuration. In some embodiments, the case 100 is configured to hold a mobile device assembly in a first standing position, such as a landscape viewing position, in a first configuration. In some embodiments, the case 100 is configured to hold a mobile device assembly in a second standing position, such as a portrait viewing position, in a second configuration.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the case 100 in various configurations when used with a mobile device assembly 200. In the particular examples illustrated by FIGS. 2-4, the mobile device assembly 200 includes a mobile device 210 and an inner shell 220, although the mobile device assembly 200 need not include an inner shell 220. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mobile device assembly 200 engaged with the case 100. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mobile device assembly 200 engaged with the case 100 in a first standing position. The first standing position can be a landscape viewing position. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mobile device assembly 200 engaged with the case 100 in a second standing position. The second standing position can be a portrait viewing position.

Returning to FIG. 1, the case 100 has a base 102. The base 102 is configured to abut a back surface of a mobile device opposite from a screen. The base 102 has a first end 104 and a second end 106. The second end 106 is opposite from the first end 104 across a lateral axis I. The base 102 has a first side 108 and a second side 110. The second side 110 is opposite from the first side 108 across a longitudinal axis L. A height axis H of the case 100 extends normal to both the longitudinal axis L and the lateral axis I. The size and shape of the base 102 generally corresponds with the dimensions of the back surface of the mobile device assembly that will be engaged by the case 100. While the particular base 102 depicted in FIG. 1 is planar, the base 102 can have any shape that is configured to abut at least a portion of the back surface of the mobile device assembly. In some embodiments, the base 102 defines a curved surface for abutting a mobile device assembly having a curved surface. Similarly, while the outline of the base 102 is rectangular, other shapes are possible that correspond with the various mobile device assemblies that can be used with the cases disclosed herein.

The first end 104 and the second end 106 of the base 102 are generally spaced apart such that a mobile device assembly can be properly seated in the case 100. The distance between the first end 104 and the second end 106 can be related to length of a mobile device assembly. In some embodiments, the distance between the first end 104 and the second end 106 is about equal to the length of a mobile device assembly, where “about equal” is defined herein as being within 10% or even within 5% of the referenced measurement. Various “case length” dimensions defined between the first end 104 and the second end 106 of the case 100 will be described further below herein.

The first side 108 and the second side 110 of the base 102 are generally spaced apart such that a mobile device assembly can be properly seated in the case 100. The distance between the first side 108 and the second side 110 can be related to the width of the mobile device assembly. In some embodiments, the distance between the first side 108 and the second side 110 is about equal to the width of the mobile device assembly. Various “case width” dimensions defined between the first side 108 and the second side 110 of the case 100 will be described further below herein.

The case has a first sidewall 112 on the first side 108 that extends from the base 102 generally in the height axis H direction and defines a distal edge 120, where the distal edge is defined relative to the base 102. The first sidewall 112 extends between the first end 104 and the second end 106. The case has a second sidewall 114 on the second side 110 that extends from the base 102 generally in the height axis H direction and defines a distal edge 122. The second sidewall 114 extends between the first end 104 and the second end 106.

The first sidewall 112 and the second sidewall 114 are configured to abut the edges or sides of a mobile device assembly. In some embodiments, the first sidewall 112 and the second sidewall 114 are configured to cooperatively engage the edges or sides of a mobile device assembly. The first sidewall 112 and the second sidewall 114 can have various structures for engaging a mobile device assembly, such as a lip 160 or ridge in some embodiments, and/or through a frictional fit with the mobile device assembly. Each lip can extend towards the longitudinal axis L and can be configured to retain a mobile device assembly between the first sidewall 112 and second sidewall 114. Each lip 160 extends from an end of the first and second sidewalls 112, 114 around an end portion of the case 100 at the first and second ends 104, 106. Alternatively or additionally, one or more lips can extend from the distal edge 120, 122 of each sidewall 112, 114 toward the longitudinal axis L. Furthermore, the first sidewall 112 and the second sidewall 114 can have various structures for facilitating the removal of a mobile device assembly from the case 100. For example, the case 100 depicted in FIG. 1 has an indentation 170 defined by the distal edge 122 of the second sidewall 114.

The size and shape of the first sidewall 112 and the second sidewall 114 generally corresponds with the dimensions of a mobile device assembly that will be paired with the case 100. While the particular first sidewall 112 and second sidewall 114 depicted in FIG. 1 are shown with substantially planar surfaces, the first sidewall 112 and the second sidewall 114 can each have any shape that accommodates the sides a mobile device assembly, such as a curved shape or other shape. As is visible in FIG. 1, the first sidewall 112 and the second sidewall 114 are not necessarily continuous between the first end 104 and the second end 106. While the first sidewall 112 and the second sidewall 114 are shown with filleted corners, other shapes are possible. In some embodiments, a case 100 has more than two sidewalls. In some embodiments, a case 100 has one or more end walls.

The first sidewall 112 has a first height h₁ and the second sidewall 112 has a second height h₂. The first height h₁ is a distance in the direction of the height axis H defined between the base 102 and a distal edge 120 of the first sidewall 112. The second height h₂ is a distance in the direction of the height axis H defined between the base 102 and a distal edge 122 of the second sidewall 114. In some embodiments, the first height h₁ of the first sidewall 112 and the second height h₂ of the second sidewall 114 are equal and constant between the first end 104 and the second end 106. In some embodiments, the height of the first sidewall 112 and/or the second sidewall 114 is about equal to the thickness of a mobile device assembly that the case 100 is configured to accommodate. In some embodiments, the height of the first sidewall 112 and/or the second sidewall 114 is greater than thickness of a mobile device assembly. While in the current example the first sidewall 112 and the second sidewall extends in the direction parallel to the height axis H, in some embodiments, the first sidewall 112 and/or the second sidewall extend at an angle with respect to the height axis H.

The first sidewall 112 and the second sidewall 114 generally cooperatively define a structure for providing stand functionality for a mobile device assembly. The first sidewall 112 and the second sidewall 114 can each define corresponding receptacles for receiving an edge of a mobile device assembly. The corresponding receptacles of the first sidewall 112 and the second sidewall 114 can be used to hold a mobile device assembly in a first standing position, such as a landscape viewing position, in which the mobile device assembly is held transversely across the case 100. For example, in examples consistent with the current embodiment, the first sidewall 112 defines a first channel 124 and the second sidewall 114 defines a second channel 126 for providing stand functionality. FIG. 3 illustrates an example implementation where an example mobile device assembly 200 with a mobile phone 210 having an inner shell 220 is received by the first channel 124 and the second channel 126.

Returning again to FIG. 1, the first channel 124 extends a first depth d₁ into the first sidewall 112. The first depth d₁ is defined from the first distal edge 120 of the first sidewall 112 to a first proximate edge 128, where the proximate edge is defined relative to the base 102. The second channel 126 extends a second depth d₂ into the second sidewall 114. The second depth d₂ is defined from the second distal edge 122 of the second sidewall 114 to a second proximate edge 130. The first proximate edge 128 and the second proximate edge 130 shown in FIG. 1 are each defined at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis L, but in some embodiments the proximate edges are defined parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first depth d₁ and the second depth d₂ can be equal. The first depth d₁ and the second depth d₂ is measured central to the proximate edges of the respective channel 124, 126.

The first channel 124 extends along the first sidewall 112 a first channel length L_(c1) in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The first channel length L_(c1) can be defined between a first edge 131 and a second edge defined by the first sidewall 112. The second channel 126 extends along the second sidewall 114 a second channel length L_(c2) in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The second channel length L_(c2) can be defined between a third edge 133 and a fourth edge 134 defined by the second sidewall 114.

In some embodiments, the first channel 124 is opposite from the second channel 126 relative to the longitudinal axis L. As is visible in FIG. 3, this allows the mobile device assembly 200 to be laid transversely across the case 100 (parallel to the lateral axis I) such that both the first channel 124 and the second channel 126 accommodate an elongate side portion 202 of the mobile device assembly 200. More specifically, the first edge 131 can be defined opposite the longitudinal axis L of the third edge 133. The second edge 132 can be defined opposite the longitudinal axis L of the fourth edge 134.

While in the current depiction, the mobile device 210 has a screen 250 that is partially obstructed by the first and second sidewalls 112, 114, in some embodiments the mobile device assembly 200 and the first and second sidewalls 112, 114 mutually define an interference structure that prevents obstruction of the screen 250 of the mobile device 210 by the sidewalls 112, 114. For example, the first depth d₁ and the second depth d₂ can be reduced to prevent obstruction of the screen 250 by the sidewalls 112, 114. As another example, one or both elongate side portions 202 of the inner shell 220 can define one or more structures extending outward from the elongate side portion 202 to interfere with the proximate edges 128, 130 of the channels 124, 126 such that the screen 250 is above the sidewalls 112, 114 when the elongate side portion 202 of the mobile device assembly 200 is received by the first channel 112 and the second channel 114.

In some alternate embodiments, the first channel 124 is defined at a position along the longitudinal axis L that is offset from the position of the second channel 126 along the longitudinal axis L. In such configurations, the first channel 124 and the second channel 126 can each engage an elongate side portion of a mobile device assembly such that it extends across the case 100 in a direction that is not parallel to the lateral axis I. More specifically, the first edge 131 can be defined at a position along the longitudinal axis L that is at a position offset from being opposite the third edge 133. The second edge 132 can be defined at a position along the longitudinal axis L that is offset from the position opposite the fourth edge 134.

The first channel 124 and the second channel 126 each generally have a shape and size that is configured to receive an elongate side portion of a particular mobile device assembly. In some embodiments, the first channel length L_(c1) is greater than or about equal to a thickness of a mobile device assembly that the channel is configured to accommodate. Because the height of the first sidewall can be greater than or about equal to the thickness of the mobile device assembly, it follows that, in some embodiments, the first channel length L_(c1) is greater than or about equal to the first height h₁ of the first sidewall 112. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second channel length L_(c2) is greater than or about equal to the second height h₂ of the second sidewall 114 because the second channel length L_(c2) is greater than or about equal to a thickness of a mobile device assembly. In various embodiments, the first channel length L_(c1) is about equal to the second channel length L_(c2). In some embodiments, the first channel length and the second channel length L_(c1), L_(c2) are each about 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or 10% greater than the thickness of the mobile device assembly that the channels are configured to accommodate.

The first channel 124 and the second channel 126 can each be defined in the respective first sidewall 112 and second sidewall 114 such that a mobile device assembly can be held at an angle with respect to the height axis H. In some embodiments, the first channel 124 extends towards the base 102 at an angle relative to the height axis H, where “at an angle” is defined as not parallel. In some embodiments, the second channel 126 extends towards the base 102 at an angle relative to the height axis H. More specifically, each of the first edge 131, the second edge 132, the third edge 133, and the fourth edge 134 can be angled with respect to the height axis H. In some other embodiments, the first channel 124 and the second channel 126 are parallel to the height axis H, but define respective lengths that result in the mobile device tilting at an angle relative to the height axis H under the force of gravity.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a side view is shown of the case 100. The features of the case 100 will be made with respect to the first side 108 of the case, although it is to be understood that the following description can refer to corresponding features of the second side 110 as well. The first channel 124 can be defined at various angles in the first sidewall 112 relative to the height axis H.

The first edge 131 defines a first major axis M₁. While the first edge 131 is linear in the case 100 depicted in FIG. 5, it is possible that the first edge 131 is other than linear, such as curved, convex, concave, or other-shaped. The first major axis M₁ can be defined by the intersection of the first edge 131 and the proximate edge 128, and the intersection of the first edge 131 and the distal edge 120. The first edge 131 can extend at various angles with respect to the height axis H and the longitudinal axis L. The first major axis M₁ extends at an angle θ₁ with respect to the height axis H.

The second edge 132 defines a second major axis M₂. While the second edge 132 is linear in the case 100 depicted in FIG. 5, it is possible that the second edge 132 is other than linear, such as curved convex, concave, or other-shaped. The second major axis M₂ can be defined by the intersection of the second edge 132 and the proximate edge 128, and the intersection of the second edge 132 and the distal edge 120. The second major axis M₂ extends at an angle θ₂ with respect to the height axis H, as illustrated with respect to a reference axis H′ parallel to the height axis.

The angle θ1 can be 0 degrees in some embodiments where the first edge is vertical. The angle θ1 can be from 0 degrees to 45 degrees, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the angle θ₁ is from 20 degrees to 40 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle θ₁ is from 5 degrees to 25 degrees. The angle θ₁ can be an angle within a range, wherein the upper and lower bounds of the range can be defined by any combination of the following angles: 0 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, 75 degrees, 80 degrees, 85 degrees and 90 degrees. In some embodiments the angle θ₁ is less than 30 degrees. The angle θ₂ can be 0 degrees in some embodiments where the first edge is vertical. The angle θ₂ can be from 0 degrees to 45 degrees, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the angle θ₂ is from 20 degrees to 40 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle θ₂ is from 5 degrees to 25 degrees. The angle θ₂ can be an angle within a range, wherein the upper and lower bounds of the range can be defined by any combination of the following angles: 0 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, 75 degrees, 80 degrees, 85 degrees and 90 degrees. In some embodiments the angle θ₂ is less than 30 degrees.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a side view is shown of the case 100 with a mobile device assembly 200 disposed thereon. The mobile device assembly 200 is received by the first channel 124 and the second channel 126. The mobile device assembly 200 and case 100 are in a first standing position. The features of the case 100 will be described with respect to the first side 108 of the case, although it is to be understood that the following description can refer to corresponding features of the second side 110 as well. The first channel 124 is shaped such that the mobile device assembly 200 is positioned at a particular angle when received by the first channel 124 and the second channel 126. Specifically, the shape of the first edge 131, the second edge 132, and the angles θ₁ and θ₂ thereof are configured to position the mobile device assembly 200 at the angle.

The mobile device 200 is positioned in a landscape configuration at an angle β. The landscape standing angle β is defined between the height axis H of the case and a lateral axis M_(Lat) of the mobile device 200. The lateral axis M_(Lat) is parallel to a viewing screen of the mobile device 200. The landscape standing angle β can be a variety of angles for viewing the mobile device. The landscape standing angle β can be optimized for comfortable viewing of the mobile device 200 by a user. Experimental testing has shown that an acute landscape standing angle β between 5 degrees and 25 degrees can provide an optimal viewing experience in certain mobile devices. Other landscape standing angles β are possible. The landscape standing angle β can be angle within a range, wherein the upper and lower bounds of the range can be defined by any combination of the following angles: 0 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, 75 degrees, 80 degrees, 85 degrees and 90 degrees.

Returning to FIG. 1, the case 100 has is configured to enable stand functionality in a second stand configuration. The base 102 can define a structure for providing stand functionality of a mobile device assembly in a portrait orientation. The base 102 can define a receptacle for receiving an end of a mobile device assembly. The receptacle defined in the base 102 can be used to hold a mobile device assembly in a standing position, such as a portrait viewing position in which a mobile device assembly is held vertically above the base 102. In the current example, the base 102 defines a slot 140 that serves as such a receptacle. FIG. 4 illustrates an example implementation of such a configuration, where an end 240 of the mobile device assembly 200 is received by the slot 140 of the case 100. In this configuration, the case 100 is inverted and the distal edges 121, 122 of the sidewalls 112, 114 form a platform on an outside surface such that base 102 is elevated above the outside surface. The end of the mobile device assembly 240 extends through the base 102 towards the outside surface. Example outside surfaces include a desk, a table, a counter, a user's body, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a bottom view is shown of the case 100. The slot 140 is configured to receive an end of a mobile device assembly and hold it in a standing configuration. The slot 140 has a slot length l_(sl) and a slot width w_(sl). The slot length l_(sl) is defined between a first end 701 and a second end 702 of the slot 140. The slot width w_(sl) is defined between a first side 711 and a second side 712 of the slot 140. The slot length l_(sl) corresponds to the width of a mobile device assembly and, as such, the slot length l_(sl) is generally sized such that an end of a mobile device or an inner shell can pass through the slot 140. As such, the slot length l_(sl) will generally be greater than or about equal to the width of a corresponding mobile device assembly. Because the case 100 disclosed herein can have a width about equal to the width of a corresponding mobile device assembly, it follows that, in some embodiments, the slot length l_(sl) is greater than or about equal to the width of the base 102 of the case 100 defined between the first side 108 and the second side 110 of the base 102 of the case 100. The slot length l_(sl) can be about 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or greater than 10% larger than the width of a corresponding mobile device assembly. In some embodiments the slot length l_(sl) is even greater than 10% larger than the width of the corresponding mobile device assembly.

The slot width w_(sl) is generally sized to accommodate the thickness of a corresponding mobile device assembly. The slot width w_(sl) is generally sized to position the mobile device assembly in a standing configuration in a portrait orientation. As such, the slot width w_(sl) can be greater than or about equal to the thickness of the mobile device assembly to define a particular angle between the case and the mobile device assembly disposed therein when the mobile device assembly is under the force of gravity. In some embodiments the slot width w_(sl) is no more than 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or 10% greater than the thickness of a mobile device assembly that the slot 140 is configured to accommodate. Because the case 100 disclosed herein can have a sidewall height that is about equal to the thickness of the corresponding mobile device assembly, it follows that the slot width w_(sl) can be greater than or about equal to the first height h₁ and/or the second height h₂ of the sidewalls of the case 100.

The slot 140 can be defined at various positions in the base 102 of the case 100. The position of the slot 140 can be defined with respect to a slot axis A_(s) positioned between the first side 711 and the second side 712, the slot axis A_(s) running between the first end 701 and the second end 702 of the slot 140. In some embodiments, the slot axis A_(s) extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the case 100. In some embodiments, the slot axis A_(s) extends at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the case 100. In some embodiments, the slot axis A_(s) is positioned along the longitudinal axis L of the case 100. In some embodiments, the slot axis A_(s) is offset from the longitudinal axis L of the case 100. An offset between the slot axis A_(s) and the longitudinal axis L of the case can provide a slot 140 that is positioned between the longitudinal axis L and a side of the base, such as the first side 108 or the second side 110. The slot 140 is generally positioned such that a mobile device assembly can maintain an upright position when positioned in the slot without tipping the assembly over under the force of gravity.

FIG. 8 is an end view of a mobile device assembly 200 engaged with the case 100 in the second standing position, which is a portrait position. The mobile device assembly 200 is disposed within the slot 140 of the case 100. The slot 140 can be configured to position the mobile device assembly 200 at various angles relative to the height axis of the case 100. The angle that the mobile device assembly 200 stands at with respect to the case 100 can be defined as the portrait standing angle α. The portrait standing angle α is defined between the height axis H of the case 100 and a longitudinal axis M_(Lon) of the mobile device assembly 200. The longitudinal axis M_(Lon) is parallel to a viewing screen 250 of the mobile device 210. The portrait standing angle α can be a variety of angles for viewing the mobile device. The portrait standing angle α can be optimized for comfortable viewing of the mobile device 200 by a user. Experimental testing has shown that an acute portrait standing angle α between 5 degrees and 30 degrees can provide an optimal viewing experience for certain mobile devices. Other portrait standing angles α are contemplated. The portrait standing angle α can be angle within a range, wherein the upper and lower bounds of the range can be defined by any combination of the following angles s: 0 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, 75 degrees, 80 degrees, 85 degrees, and 90 degrees.

A removable inner shell can be used in conjunction with the various cases disclosed herein. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate case 900 configuration consistent with the technology disclosed herein, wherein the case has an inner shell 901 and an outer shell 902. The outer shell 902 can be consistent with those previously described. The inner shell 901 is generally configured to removably engage a mobile device. The inner shell 901 is configured to at least partially cover and protect the mobile device in an encased configuration. The inner shell 901 is further configured to engage the outer shell 902. The inner shell 901 can have one or more perimeter walls 980 configured to engage first and second sidewalls 912, 914 of the outer shell 902.

In an encased configuration, a mobile device can be encased by the inner shell 901 and the inner shell 901 can be encased by the outer shell 902. The inner shell 901 is generally configured to be engaged by the outer shell 902 to cooperatively form a case 900.

The inner shell 901 can have a shell width w_(s), a shell length l_(s), and a shell thickness t_(s). The inner shell width w_(s), an inner shell length l_(s), and an inner shell thickness t_(s) can be sized such that the inner shell 901 can be removably engaged by the outer shell 902. The inner shell thickness t_(s) can be less than or about equal to the channel length l_(sl) of first and second channels 924, 926 of the outer shell 902 such that the inner shell 901 can be received by the first channel 924 and the second channel 926 in a first standing orientation. In some embodiment the inner shell thickness (at the location of the inner shell that is received by the channels 924, 926) is slightly less than the channel length l_(sl) of first and second channels 924, 926 of the outer shell 902, where “slightly less than” means that there is a clearance of greater than 0 mm but no more than 5 mm, 7 mm, or 10 mm.

The shell thickness t_(s), at the portion of the inner shell 901 that is received by a slot 940 of the outer shell 902, can be less than or about equal to a slot width w_(sl) of the slot 940 such that the inner shell 901 can be received by the slot 940 in a second standing orientation. The shell width w_(s) can be less than or about equal to the slot length l_(sl) of the outer shell 902 such that the inner shell 901 can be received by the slot 940 in a second standing orientation. The inner dimensions of the inner shell 900 generally correspond with the external dimensions of a mobile device that is to be engaged by the inner shell 900.

The inner shell can be used to protect a mobile device from damage when it is in a standing configuration, such as a landscape or portrait standing configuration. The inner shell can protect a mobile device from abrasion as it is periodically removed from the outer shell and reconfigured in the various standing configurations. The inner shell can further provide an interface for a universal or semi-universal outer shell to be used in conjunction with an inner shell that is built for a specific mobile device model. The inner shell is generally removably engageable with the outer shell. The inner shell can include various lips or structures for engaging a mobile device. The inner shell is generally removably engageable with a mobile device.

Returning to FIG. 9, the inner shell 901 can include various protrusions 982 for engaging the outer shell 902. The protrusions 982 correspond with the channels 924, 926 and other recesses 984 in the outer shell 902. The protrusions 982 engage with the channels 924, 926 and other recesses 984 in the case 100 and can define substantially flush surfaces when the inner shell 901 and the outer shell 902 are assembled to define a case 900.

The cases described herein are configured to allow a mobile device and/or mobile engaged with in an inner shell to be readily removed and reconfigured in portrait and landscape viewing configurations. In embodiments having an inner shell, various interlocking structures can be used to maintain the inner shell (and mobile device disposed therein) in a given configuration. In some embodiments, an inner shell and a case cooperatively define an interlocking structure for retaining engagement in a first standing configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a side view is shown of a case 1000 and an inner shell 1090 that cooperatively define an interlocking structure. The interlocking structure cooperatively defined by the case 1000 and the inner shell 1090 is configured to maintain a locked engagement between the case 1000 and the inner shell 1090 in a first standing orientation. The case 1000 is consistent with the various cases disclosed herein. As such, the case 1000 has a first sidewall 1012 at a first side 1008 and a second sidewall 1014 at a second side 1010. The first sidewall 1012 defines a first channel 1024 and the second sidewall 1014 defines a second channel 1026. The first channel 1024 has a first edge 1031 and a second edge 1032. The second channel 1026 has a third edge 1033 and a fourth edge 1034. The inner shell 1090 is consistent with the various inner shells disclosed herein.

The interlocking structure can include various protrusions and recesses on the case 1000 and the inner shell 1090 configured to engage each other. In the current example, the inner shell 1090 has a key 1050. The key 1050 is a protrusion extending along a back surface of the inner shell 1090. The key 1050 is shown as a single, rounded area. However, the key 1050 can have other shapes and can include more than one non-continuous structures. The key 1050 is generally configured to engage a recess defined by the case 1000. The inner shell 1000 has a receptacle 1052 for engaging the key 1050. The receptacle 1052 generally has a shape corresponding with the shape of the key 1050. When the inner shell 1090 is received by the first channel 1024 and the second channel 1026, the key 1050 is inserted into the receptacle 1052. The interface between the key 1050 and the receptacle 1052 prevents the inner shell 1090 from being removed without applying a removing force to the inner shell 1090.

The case 1000 can include a notch 1054 for engaging a corresponding lip (not shown in this view) on the inner shell 1090. The notch 1054 and the lip can form an interlocking structure similar to that formed by the key 1050 and the receptacle 1052. The notch 1054 and lip can supplement the interlock formed between the key 1050 and the receptacle 1052. Other interlocking configurations are possible. In some embodiments, the case 1000 includes protrusions and the inner shell 1090 includes corresponding recesses. In some embodiments, the case 1000 includes both protrusions and recesses, and the inner shell 1090 includes corresponding recesses and protrusions. The interlocking structures formed between a case 1000 and inner shell 1090 are not particularly limited.

In some embodiments, the sidewalls define a retaining structure for retaining a mobile device. FIG. 11 depicts a case 1100 having a retaining structure. The case 1100 can be consistent with the various cases disclosed herein. A first sidewall 1112 defines a first retaining structure 1101 defining the first channel 1124 for retaining a mobile device. The first retaining structure 1101 can be a concave surface 1132 for engaging the mobile device. Similarly, a second sidewall (not shown in this view) can define can define a second retaining structure defining the second channel for retaining the mobile device. The second retaining structure can be a concave surface for engaging the mobile device. The second retaining structure can have the same configuration as the first retaining structure 1101.

Additional Features

Many additional structural and functional features can be implemented on the various cases for mobile devices disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the first sidewall and the second sidewall each have a structure for engaging a mobile device or inner shell. For example, the first sidewall and the second sidewall can each have one or more lips for retaining a mobile device or inner shell within the case. Similarly, in embodiments having an inner shell, the walls of the inner shell can have one or more lips for retaining a mobile device within the inner shell.

The various embodiments herein can include structures for facilitating the separation of a mobile device, inner shell, and case. In some embodiments, the case includes an indentation for removing a mobile device or inner shell. For example, the case 100 depicted in FIG. 1 has an indentation 170, as discussed above. The indentation can be defined by a sidewall of the case and allow a user's finger or fingernail to engage the mobile device or inner shell to facilitate its removal. An inner shell can include an indentation for facilitating the removal of a mobile device from the inner shell. The indentation can be defined by a sidewall of the inner shell and allow a user's finger or fingernail to engage the mobile device to facilitate its removal.

The cases and inner shells disclosed herein can include various recesses, slots, channels, and apertures for accessing buttons, electrical plugs, and other features common on mobile devices. In some embodiments, a slot defined by the base of a case can include an indentation for allowing access to a button on the front face of a mobile device. For example, the outer surface of the base 102 of the case 100 depicted in FIG. 4 has a button indentation 400 for allowing access to a button of the mobile device 210. The cases and inner shells disclosed herein can also include various recesses, slots, channels, and apertures for allowing communication between microphones and speakers that are commonly present on mobile devices. In some embodiments, the case is configured to allow the sound emitted from the speaker of a mobile device to reverberate when the mobile device is held in a second, or portrait, standing position.

Materials and Manufacturing

The cases and inner shells disclosed herein can be constructed of a variety of materials. The case can be constructed of a rigid or semi-rigid material that allows resilient deformation to occur when inserting or removing a mobile device or inner shell. The case can be constructed of a metal, wood, rubber, plastic, composite, and the like. Exemplary materials include polycarbonate (PC), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polylactic acid (PLA), various thermoplastics, and the like. The case can be a single-piece component constructed of the various materials.

The inner shell can be constructed of a flexible or semi-flexible material that allows resilient deformation to occur when inserting or removing a mobile device or inner shell. The inner shell can be constructed of a material having a high coefficient of static friction. The case can be constructed of a rubber, plastic, composite, and the like. Exemplary materials include natural rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone, and various plastics such as polycarbonate (PC), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polylactic acid (PLA), and the like. The inner shell can be a single-piece component constructed of the various materials.

Various manufacturing methods can be used to create the cases and inner shells disclosed herein. For example, the cases and inner shells can be created by injection molding, casting, additive machining, subtractive machining, and the like.

Absolute Dimensions

The cases disclosed herein can have a variety of dimensions. In some embodiments, the case has a case length in the longitudinal axis L direction that is about 130 mm-170 mm. In some embodiments, the case has a case width in the lateral axis I direction that is about 40-80 mm. In some embodiments, the case has a thickness in the height axis direction H that is about 5-15 mm. The dimensions of a case are generally such that the case can removably engage a specific mobile device. Because mobile devices are produced with widely varying geometries, the specific dimensions of the cases disclosed herein are not particularly limited.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the phrase “configured” describes a system, apparatus, or other structure that is constructed or configured to perform a particular task or adopt a particular configuration to. The phrase “configured” can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as arranged and configured, constructed and arranged, constructed, manufactured and arranged, and the like.

All publications and patent applications in this specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated by reference.

Aspects have been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope herein. 

1. A case for a mobile device comprising: a base having: a longitudinal axis; a lateral axis; a first side, a second side opposite from the first side across the longitudinal axis; a first end, and a second end opposite from the first end across the lateral axis; a first sidewall on the first side extending between the first end and the second end, the first sidewall having a first height, wherein the first sidewall defines a first channel having a first channel length in the longitudinal direction greater than or about equal to the height of the first sidewall; a second sidewall on the second side extending between the first end and the second end, the second sidewall having a second height, wherein the second sidewall defines a second channel having a second channel length in the longitudinal direction greater than or about equal to the first channel length; wherein the first channel is opposite the second channel relative to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first height is about equal to the second height; and wherein the base defines a slot having slot width and a slot length, wherein the slot width is greater than or about equal to the first height and the slot length is greater than or about equal to a width defined between the first side and the second side.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein the first channel extends toward the base at an acute angle relative to the height of the first sidewall.
 3. The case of claim 2, wherein the angle is less than 30 degrees.
 4. The case of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall are configured to cooperatively engage a mobile device.
 5. The case of claim 4, wherein each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall defines a lip for retaining the mobile device.
 6. The case of claim 1, wherein the slot is positioned between the longitudinal axis and the first side of the base.
 7. The case of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall defines a first retaining structure defining the first channel for retaining a mobile device.
 8. The case of claim 7, the retaining structure comprising a concave surface for engaging the mobile device.
 9. The case of claim 1, further comprising a removable inner shell configured to engage a mobile device, the shell having a perimeter wall configured to engage the first sidewall and the second sidewall.
 10. The case of claim 9, wherein the inner shell comprises a protrusion and the case comprises a recess, the protrusion and the recess defining an interlocking structure.
 11. A case for a mobile device comprising: an inner shell configured to removably engage a mobile device, the inner shell having a width, a length, and a thickness; an outer shell having: a base having: a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a first side, a second side opposite from the first side across the longitudinal axis; a first end, and a second end opposite from the first end across the lateral axis; a first sidewall on the first side extending between the first end and the second end, the first sidewall having a first height, wherein the first sidewall defines a first channel having a first channel length in the longitudinal direction that is greater than or about equal to the thickness of the inner shell; a second sidewall on the second side extending between the first end and the second end, the second sidewall having a second height, wherein the second sidewall defines a second channel having a second channel length in the longitudinal direction that is greater than or about equal to the first channel length; wherein the first channel is opposite the second channel across the longitudinal axis.
 12. The case of claim 11, wherein the base of the outer shell defines a slot sized to receive the width and thickness of the inner shell.
 13. The case of claim 12, wherein the slot is positioned between the longitudinal axis and the first side of the base.
 14. The case of claim 11, wherein the first channel extends toward the base at an acute angle relative to the height of the first sidewall.
 15. The case of claim 14, wherein the angle is less than 30 degrees.
 16. The case of claim 11, wherein the second sidewall is spaced a first distance from the first sidewall, the first distance being about equal to the width of the inner shell.
 17. The case of claim 11, wherein the second end is spaced a second distance from the first end, the second distance being about equal to the length of the inner shell.
 18. The case of claim 11, wherein each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall comprises a lip extending towards the longitudinal axis, each lip configured to retain the inner shell between the first sidewall and second sidewall.
 19. The case of claim 11, wherein the first sidewall defines a first interlocking structure at the first channel for retaining the inner shell.
 20. The case of claim 19, the interlocking structure comprising a recess configured to engage a protrusion on the inner shell. 